William Bewsey
9:39am, Thu 31st Aug 2023
Match previews sponsored by Nuffield Health
Maidenhead United v Woking
Vanarama National League
2nd September 2023
15:00 Kick-Off
Woking will hope for three wins in a row for the first time since January, when they take on Maidenhead United at York Road.
Following a near-perfect Bank Holiday weekend, Darren Sarll's side currently occupy the last playoff place in the early standings, and after positive news that Jermaine Anderson and Manny Oyeleke could possibly be involved on Saturday, the only dampener on a six point weekender was that Rhys Browne faces a period of time out with injury.
Luke Wilkinson also completed his first 90 minutes of the season against Dorking, so Woking have competition at centre back for the first time this season, as well as in central midfield, with the impressive Zak Bradshaw and Tunji Akinola hoping to keep their places. Ricky Korboa will be hoping to add to his goal and two assists over the Bank Holiday.
Opposition Watch
Known as somewhat of a 'giant killer' when it comes to the National League, Maidenhead United have been just about keeping their heads above water in recent times, with a gruelling relegation battle last season seeing them stay up at the expense of Torquay United despite a hammering at Gateshead. Nonetheless, Alan Devonshire has recruited well once again in the summer, with Craig Ross needing absolutely no introduction to Woking fans. The keeper who made almost 200 appearances for the Cards before departing in the summer has started exceptionally at York Road, with four clean sheets in six games.
Other signings have included striker Tobi Sho-Silva, involved in a League Two promotion last year with Carlisle United, former Shot Lewis Kinsella, forward Harry Parsons from Swindon Town and centre back Kevin Lokko from Farnborough. The Magpies also managed to facilitate the move of striker Emile Acquah to Barrow for a fee, whilst keep an eye out for Reece Smith; the 21-year-old winger graduated from Maidenhead's academy, and already has two goals so far this season.
Maidenhead only sit one point behind the Cards, albeit three places lower in 10th, after a start in which one loss at fast starters Hartlepool United has been cancelled out by three draws and two wins against Dorking and Dagenham. However, they were involved in two consecutive 0-0 draws over the Bank Holiday weekend, against Oxford City and Kidderminster Harriers.
Last Time Out
Goals from Padraig Amond and Luke Wilkinson saw Woking run out 2-0 winners at the Laithwaite in March, but it was a different story at York Road, where Emile Acquah struck the only goal of the game in September 2022 in a 1-0 defeat for the Cards. The last time Woking were victorious in Berkshire was the 3-2 thriller in front of the BT Sport cameras in November 2019, where goals for Moussa Diarra, Jamar Loza and Jake Hyde were enough for Alan Dowson's side.
Around the Ground
York Road is located in Maidenhead Town Centre, which has plenty of pubs and restaurants, including O'Neills, right on the corner of Queen Street, about a five minute walk from the away turnstiles.
Due to train strikes, there is a very limited service to Maidenhead, so other modes of transport are recommended.
The Cards Trust has some spaces available on the supporters' coach, booking information and details can be found
here.
Ticket details can be found
here.
